Introduction
Cloud computing and virtualization technologies refer to new systems of information communication where many computers are linked to each other through a real-time communication network, such as the internet. Scientists identify cloud computing as the ability of operating a program on various processors simultaneously.
It is useful in advertising, particularly in disposing hosted services in the logic of application service provisioning. It runs client server software even in an inaccessible position.
Cloud computing and virtualization technologies were previously available to large organizations only, but they are currently employed in boosting small-scale businesses in the modern society (Ryan, 2011).
It should be understood that the two technologies do not mean the same thing, but instead they stand for different concepts. Virtualization is a type of expertise that is elementary since it facilitates cloud computing. However, the two technologies are employed in organizations to create a private cloud infrastructure that enables information distribution.
Virtualization software permits every physical server to operate several computing services. In other words, it entails acquiring a number of servers for every physical server bought in the organization. On the other hand, cloud computing utilizes a number of data centers, which are full of networks that enable servers to move cloud offerings. However, cloud computing alone is not able to offer a single server to the customer.
In this regard, cloud-computing suppliers divide the data in the server in order to permit every customer to work discretely with an effective instance of related software. Through cloud computing, the organization is in a position to access complex applications and enormous computing sources through the internet.
In the new merger, the organization can employ cloud computing by simply subscribing to a cloud based service, which include Cisco WebEx as opposed to coming up with its own cloud infrastructure.
Benefits of Cloud Computing and Virtualization Technologies
Through cloud computing and virtualization technologies, the organization is likely to benefit from economies of scale. This is mainly because cloud computing depends on resource sharing, which would probably achieve coherence.
Cloud computing and virtualization technologies are connected to other theories, such as congregated infrastructure and collective services, which would certainly lower the expenses for the new business. Maximization of resource utilization and effectiveness is guaranteed through cloud computing since a number of users do not only share resources, but also they are repositioned with dynamism based on demand.
Based on this, it is possible to allocate resources to other users in varied periods and time zones (Ryan, 2011). Since the new organization is said to be a multinational corporation, it can benefit a lot from the two technologies given the fact that users in one continent could utilize it during their business hours while the information would reach other users in different continents with different time zones.
In this regard, users in Europe could use an application, such as an email while other users in North America would be able to receive the information through a different application, such as web server. Through this, computer powers would be maximized while at the same time reducing environmental effects. The technology uses less power meaning that the organization would not need extra services, such as air conditioning.
As earlier noted, cloud computing and virtualization technologies are closely related to other concepts , such as moving cloud, which means that the two technologies permit large-scale organizations to cut costs associated with infrastructure.
This would indeed give organizations employing the two technologies an advantage in the market since they would have an opportunity to come up with other projects that would easily differentiate their operations.
Cloud in simple terms imply the process in which an organization moves away from conventional capex model, which is characterized by traditional practices that force an organization to acquire hardware before moving to install the software. The organization would move to a new model referred to as the opex model whereby various servers would be shared easily among various computers.
Some proponents are of the view that cloud computing and virtualization technologies are faster when compared to other traditional applications. The new technologies come with improved manageability, reduced costs of repair, and improved information technology systems. This would definitely help an organization in meeting irregular and erratic business demands.
Virtualization technology is mostly applied in small-scale enterprises, even though the new merger between the local organization and an international corporation would still benefit from its services. The organization stands to benefit since it would have to buy few servers. Moreover, the maintenance costs of the servers would be less as compared to servicing a number of servers.
In this case, the organization will operate efficiently since fewer resources are used in maintaining computer related services. Information experts have proved through research that a virtualized server tends to utilize the capacity of the server more effectively as opposed to a non-virtualized server.
Individuals working with virtualized technology are in a position of running more applications on each server, which increases productivity (Winkler, 2011). Through virtualization software, the resources of each physical server can be partitioned to generate a number of virtual environments, which are referred to as virtual machines.
Each virtual appliance has the ability to run its own operating system, as well as other production appliances, as per the corporation requirements. In some instances, virtualization technology can be employed for storage purposes whereby it is used in storing the computer hardware. Information technology experts observe that an organization is likely to benefit by storing the hardware since it would allow maximum utilization.
Storage virtualization has the ability of assembling all computer sources from numerous storage set-ups into one shared implicit storage storehouse, which would be accessible to all systems, irrespective of the place.
Cloud computing is applicable in large-scale organizations, which implies that it would be recommended for use in the new organization. Unlike virtualization technology, cloud computing would be of great importance since it does demand that each person should have his or her own network, but instead it relies on the network.
The organization will employ cloud computing effectively in resolving various customer issues since it allows the implementation of enterprise-grade appliance, including customer relationship management (Winkler, 2011). Other customer related services offered through cloud computing include hosted voice over IP (VoIP) and off-site storage.
The costs of these services would be high if cloud-computing technology is not applied. Employees are able to access an application or a service through a web browser. Cloud computing and virtualization technologies operate based on a one-to-many theory implying that one server is shared among a variety of processors. The technology allows many computers to share a network.
References
Ryan, F. (2011). Regulation of the Cloud in India. Journal of Internet Law, 15(4), 103-121.
Winkler, V. (2011). Securing the Cloud: Cloud Computer Security Techniques and Tactics. Waltham: Elsevier.